Maratha quota agitation: Protest peacefully, says Maharashtra deputy CM Fadnavis

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said everyone has the right to protest but it must be done peacefully, amid opposition allegations that the government is fooling the Marathas.

Speaking to reporters about Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange’s plan to march to Azad Maidan in south Mumbai to press for their demands, Fadnavis, who is also the Home Minister, said protests would be conducted in a peaceful manner must take place without disturbing public order.

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said he supports reservation for the Maratha community in government jobs and education. Prime Minister Eknath Shinde is trying to resolve the issue through talks, he said.

State Congress president Nana Patole accused the government of disrupting social harmony and said the Maratha quota should be allocated constitutionally.

The 50 percent ceiling on reservations should be abolished, paving the way for the (Maratha) quota. Jarange must be protected and if he is harmed in any way, the government will have to pay a heavy price, he said.

NCP president Supriya Sule said the government is fooling Jarange and the Maratha community.

The Maratha quota leader reached Navi Mumbai on Friday morning with thousands of supporters to push for reservation for the Maratha community.

Jarange and other Maratha activists reached the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) on the outskirts of Mumbai around 5 am in bikes, cars, jeeps, tempos and trucks.

According to his plan, Jarange, along with his supporters, will begin his hunger strike in Azad Maidan on Friday. The protesters are demanding Kunbi Status (OBC) for the Maratha community.

First print: January 26, 2024 | 2:53 PM IST